TRIBUTES have been paid to a World War Two veteran who “lived life to the full”.

Reginald Stanley Daines died aged 89 last week after suffering a stroke at his home in Stones Green.

Known to everyone as Stan, he lied about his age as a 17-year-old to get into the army in 1943.

He was part of the D-Day landing in Normandy, but was wounded in France while his regiment was trying to take a chateau in Falaise Gap in August 1944.

The bren gunner woke up in hospital and released he had been taken prisoner by German forces.

Stan was eventually freed by American soldiers three days before the end of the war.

Mr Daines regularly travelled abroad to meet other veterans and represent his Essex regiment at special services and dedications right up until his final days.

Stan’s son Derek Daines said his father lived his life the right way.

“He was a wonderful person, ” he said.

“My dad had friends from all over the continent.

“Even a week before he died he was still going to these reunions – he lived life to the full right up to the last.

His funeral will be held at Weeley Crematorium on Thursday August 20 at 1.15pm. Family flowers only.